Before blaming your provider, try these fixes. Many "slow broadband" problems are actually WiFi issues you can solve yourself.
Step 1: Test Your Actual Speed
Before anything else, measure what you're getting:
- Connect via ethernet cable (not WiFi)
- Close all other apps and devices
- Run speed test: speedtest.net or fast.com
- Compare to your plan: Are you getting what you pay for?
Interpreting Results
| Your Plan | Expected Speed | Problem If Below |
|---|---|---|
| 100Mb | 80-100Mb | 50Mb |
| 300Mb | 250-300Mb | 150Mb |
| 500Mb | 400-500Mb | 250Mb |
| 1Gb | 800-1000Mb | 500Mb |
Getting expected speeds on ethernet but slow on WiFi? Your problem is WiFi, not broadband. Jump to WiFi Fixes.
Getting slow speeds even on ethernet? Your problem is the broadband connection. Jump to Broadband Fixes.
Fixing WiFi Problems
Problem: Slow WiFi Throughout House
Solution 1: Reposition your router
- Central location in the home
- Elevated (shelf height, not floor)
- Away from walls if possible
- Not in a cupboard or behind furniture
Solution 2: Reduce interference Keep router away from:
- Microwaves
- Baby monitors
- Cordless phones
- Other routers/access points
- Large metal objects
- Fish tanks (water blocks signals)
Solution 3: Change WiFi channel
- Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1)
- Find WiFi settings
- Try a different channel (1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz)
- Use 5GHz for faster speeds (shorter range)
Solution 4: Update router firmware Outdated firmware causes problems:
- Check router manufacturer's website
- Download latest firmware
- Update via router admin page
Problem: WiFi Slow in Certain Rooms
Solution 1: WiFi extender
- Budget option: ~€30-50
- Extends existing signal
- Can reduce overall speed
Solution 2: Mesh WiFi system
- Better option: ~€150-300
- Creates seamless network
- Consistent speeds throughout
- Examples: Google Nest WiFi, Eero, TP-Link Deco
Solution 3: Powerline adapters
- Uses electrical wiring
- Ethernet-like reliability
- ~€50-80 for a pair
- Works well in older homes
Solution 4: Run ethernet cable
- Most reliable solution
- DIY or hire electrician
- Permanent fix
Problem: Too Many Devices
Modern homes have dozens of connected devices:
- Smart TVs
- Phones and tablets
- Laptops
- Smart speakers
- Security cameras
- Smart home devices
Solutions:
- Upgrade router: WiFi 6 handles more devices better
- Prioritize devices: Use QoS settings to prioritize important devices
- Separate networks: Put IoT devices on 2.4GHz, keep 5GHz for important devices
- Disconnect unused devices: Smart devices you don't use still consume bandwidth
Fixing Broadband Problems
Problem: Slow Speeds on Ethernet
If wired speed test shows significantly less than your plan:
Check 1: Restart equipment
- Turn off router for 60 seconds
- Restart any networking equipment
- Simple but often effective
Check 2: Cable quality
- Old/damaged ethernet cables limit speed
- Use Cat 6 or better for gigabit
- Replace if over 5 years old
Check 3: Time of day
- Test at different times
- Evening slowdowns = network congestion
- Worse on older infrastructure
Check 4: Contact provider If consistently slow:
- Document speed tests (date, time, results)
- Call provider with evidence
- Request line test
- Ask about fault investigation
Problem: Intermittent Connection
Connection drops randomly:
Causes:
- Faulty router
- Damaged cabling
- Line fault
- Interference
Fixes:
- Request router replacement
- Ask provider to check line
- Check internal wiring isn't damaged
- Try wired connection (rules out WiFi)
Problem: High Latency/Ping
Speed is okay but everything feels slow:
Check your latency:
- Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac)
- Type:
ping google.com - Normal: under 30ms
- Problematic: over 100ms
Causes:
- Network congestion
- Distance from exchange
- Satellite/wireless connection
- VPN routing
Fixes:
- Switch to wired connection
- Disable VPN temporarily
- Contact provider if consistently high
- Consider fibre upgrade if on old ADSL
When to Switch Provider
Switch if:
- Speeds consistently below 50% of plan
- Provider won't fix ongoing issues
- Better options available in your area
- Your contract has ended anyway
Before switching, check:
- What's actually available at your address
- Whether the issue is your WiFi (which follows you)
- If fibre has recently become available
Provider-Specific Issues
Eir Slow Speeds
Common with older Eir connections:
- FTTC (fibre-to-cabinet): Limited by copper—max ~100Mb
- Distance from cabinet: Farther = slower
- Old wiring: Internal phone wiring degrades
Fix: If Eir FTTH or SIRO is available, upgrade to true fibre.
Virgin Media Slow Speeds
Virgin is usually fast, but:
- Evening congestion: Shared cable network slows at peak times
- Node issues: Local network problems affect whole areas
- Old modem: Request replacement if >3 years old
Fix: Report to Virgin, check for area issues, request modem upgrade.
5G/4G Slow Speeds
Wireless broadband varies by:
- Signal strength: Position router near window
- Congestion: Shared with mobile users
- Time of day: Peak times slower
Fix: Try different router positions, check if fibre has become available.
Quick Fixes Checklist
Try these in order:
- Restart router (leave off 60 seconds)
- Test with ethernet cable
- Move router to central location
- Update router firmware
- Change WiFi channel
- Check for interference sources
- Reduce connected devices
- Run speed tests at different times
- Contact provider with evidence
Summary
Most "slow broadband" is actually slow WiFi.
Quick wins:
- Test via ethernet first
- Reposition router
- Reduce interference
- Consider mesh WiFi for large homes
If broadband itself is slow:
- Document speed tests
- Contact provider
- Check if better options are available
- Switch if contract allows
Last updated: January 2026